Weed Buying 101: 8 Dispensary Etiquette Tips You Need to Know

Nevada is one of ten states where marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use. For residents and tourists alike, this means enjoying everything the state has to offer just got a lot more fun.

But for many new recreational users, the weed buying process can feel like a total mystery. And if you’re one of them, you’re not alone. All you have to do is head to your local dispensary.

So, how do you look like a seasoned pro during your first trip? Use these simple tips to help you take the stress out of your first trip to a recreational pot shop.

1. Have Your ID Ready

No matter how young or young at heart you are, you can expect to get carded at your local dispensary. This is part of the process and doesn’t mean the staff thinks you’re suspicious.

This doesn’t mean you’re able to use any photo ID. It has to be a government issued form of identification. Driver’s licenses, passports, and passport cards all work just fine.

Try to have your ID ready as soon as you set foot through the door. This will speed up the check-in process and helps you look like a seasoned pro in front of all the other shoppers.

2. Expect Wait Times

Unless you’re the first one in line at the dispensary, you can expect to wait a bit before getting called into the back. Again, this is normal and doesn’t mean there was a problem with your ID.

Make yourself comfortable in the waiting room. Browse the magazines available or chat with your neighbor. Remember to relax. And if it’s your first time, don’t panic.

Everyone in the waiting room visited a dispensary for the first time at some point. They know the excitement and nerves that can accompany the experience.

3. Have Cash On-Hand

Unfortunately, government restrictions don’t allow dispensaries to accept credit cards or debit cards for payment. They can’t even use a traditional bank account to handle their company’s finances.

But they can and always will take cash payments. This means you’ll need to have cash on-hand if you plan on leaving the dispensary with some quality weed.

Before you check in, head to the ATM and take some money out. This is the perfect time to set your budget—only take out enough cash to cover what you’re willing to spend.

If you forget to run by the ATM before hitting up the dispensary, you’ll probably be able to use the ATM inside. Keep in mind your bank may charge you an out-of-network ATM fee.

4. Be Ready to Ask Questions

Once you’re inside the recreational section, you’ll get paired with a budtender. It’s their job to help you find products you’ll enjoy using.

And they’re familiar with most of the products they sell. So, don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

If you’re new to using, ask their advice on what to try first. If you’re not sure about the different strains, get them to explain them.

Don’t worry about them judging your experience or lack thereof. They won’t. They just want you to enjoy your experience.

5. Understand the Restrictions

No matter where you’re from, you’re allowed to purchase up to an ounce of cannabis in a single transaction. Most people find that a single ounce of marijuana lasts for more than a week.

But if you do use it up more quickly, you’re permitted to buy more. You just can’t do it in one transaction. And you might get asked to come back the following day if you try to purchase more than one ounce from the same dispensary in a 24-hour period.

You’re free to travel anywhere within the state with your cannabis purchase. But you cannot take it out of state, even if you’re driving.

6. Know You Can’t Negotiate the Prices

Buying cannabis in a dispensary is not the same as buying it on the street. You can’t negotiate or haggle with your budtender. Think of the dispensary the same way you do any business.

When you go to a coffee shop, you don’t expect the barista to lower the price of your latte if you ask. The same holds true in a dispensary. Prices are firm and employees can’t lower them just because you don’t want to pay the full amount.

They can, however, help you enroll in a loyalty rewards program which can give you discounts on future purchases or other in-store rewards.

7. Give Others Their Space

Think of the dispensary counter like a pharmacy. Some people are there to get help with certain conditions. Others are there to pick up something that’s going to make them just feel good.

But not everyone is comfortable discussing their concerns with others listening in. Give the people next to you some space.

Instead of crowding around the counter trying to see what’s available, let your budtender show it to you.

8. Don’t Feel Intimidated

Buying marijuana for the first time can feel a bit intimidating. Even if you’ve used it before, you might not know the terminology or be familiar enough with the products to make a quick decision.

Before you go into the dispensary, know that you’re not alone. Buying cannabis should be exciting, not intimidating.

And the budtenders and employees see people from all different walks of life and experience levels each day. There’s nothing you can ask or say that they haven’t heard before.

Go in with confidence, ask for help if you need it, and get ready to find a product you’ll love using.

Ready to Try the Weed Buying Experience?

Now that marijuana is legal in Nevada, you’re free to buy cannabis whenever you want. And you’ll get the best weed buying experience by going to a trustworthy dispensary.